Declan Jones Impressed In His G50 At Oulton Park - Photo Credit: Jakob Ebrey Photography
Declan Jones produced an impressive performance to stun the series regulars on his debut in the G50 class of the Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup at Oulton Park.
The 17 year old went into the weekend with just a single day of testing at the wheel of his Century Motorsport prepared Ginetta G50. Despite his relative lack of experience compared to his rivals, the Liverpool-based teenager stormed to a sensational G50 class pole and twelfth overall on the grid.
Sadly, Jones' hopes of challenging for victory in the opening race came to nothing when a mechanical issue forced him into retirement before the race had even begun. This left him on the back of the grid for race two and Declan made some good early progress, before slowly closing on the podium positions, getting through towards the end to take third, his maiden G50 podium.
Chicago Soft and The London Perfume Company Ltd-backed Jones said: “My pace in practice on Friday when the track was wet was really strong, so I was confident that I could run towards the front. Qualifying went really well and I got a good lap in before I tried to really push, although I got held up and couldn't improve my time. Despite that, I was still on class pole although the gap could have been bigger.
“The opening race was obviously disappointing but race two was fantastic. I had a lot to do from the back of the grid and it wasn't easy to get the car away from the line because it was an uphill start, but it was a good race and I'm pleased to have finished on the podium on my first weekend.
“Given the amount of time I'd spent in the car before the weekend, there are a lot of positives that I can take away it.”
Jones, who is also competing in V de V this season, will make his next appearance in the Ginetta GT Supercup at Rockingham last this year.
